Panic or opportunism? Hurricane drives up gas prices
On Friday Hurricane Ike slammed into the coast of Texas, which happens to be the nation's biggest complex of refineries and petrochemical plants.
In some parts of East Tennessee and around the country, the impact of supply worries is being felt with higher gas prices.
Some stations are reporting low supplies or have run out of gas. Others have taken steps to control their supply levels, though some people complain that is only an excuse to raise prices.
6 News has received several reports from viewers complaining of what they call price gouging.
We're working to separate fact from rumor and get to the bottom of the current supply problems. We also want to know where they exist and how gas stations and motorists are responding.
That's why we are turning to our viewers for help. If you see long gas lines, stations raising their prices significantly, or stations running out of gas, share your information in the comment section below.
Also, help other people in your area by reporting the prices you find at KnoxvilleGasPrices.com.
And if you have a digital or cellphone camera handy, take pictures or video of the gas stations with high prices or long lines. Then email them to pix@wate.com or post them at http://pix.wate.com.
Gas Prices and Gouging
So what happens if the state finds out there was gouging?
The state fines the owner, the owner pays the state. Nothing is done to help the consumer that was overcharged for the product. The state is the one that gets rewarded for the evils of the supplier. The state treasury is enriched, the consumer is gouged. Simple money transfer to the state.
So with this in mind why would the state even be motivated to stop price gouging before it starts? The state has a lot to gain by letting it happen and nothing to gain by stopping gouging.
The state knows this and nothing will change that. The state is not, has not, and will not, work to help the consumer.
Lowering Gas Prices
The price of gas has come down to $3.69, NOT GOOD ENOUGH! It was $3.63 before this hit and that was to high. Oil is below $98 a barrel and it should be in the mid $2.00 range. We are being ripped off BIG TIME!
gas at wal-mat is 3.97 in
gas at wal-mat is 3.97 in madisonville tn
Yes, It is gouging
Exxon and Shell at the 134 Exit are still selling regular gas for $4.49 as well as Eagle Mart in Jacksboro is selling for $4.49 for regular. Just 1 mile away is a Shell and they are able to sell for $3.99. Why? Same pipeline. Same fuel. Shell's PREMIUM is less that these other regular. Now if that ain't gouging, what is?
I think the lip service we are getting about investigations is just that, lip service. When is something going to get done about our problem or is someone profiting locally and letting the prices seek their own levels.
Let's all work together and stop these crooks from stealing from us
UNFAIR FOURTUNE TO GAS BANDITS
I KNOW THAT WE ALL HAVE TO PURCHASE FUEL SOMEWHERE SO MY SUGGESTION IS WHEN WE PURCHASE FUEL THAN STOP THERE. DONT GO IN THE STORE. USE YOUR CREDIT CARD THAT WAY THE STORE LOOSES 2 PERCENT. BUT DONT STOP THERE EITHER NOW GO TO A SUPERMARKET AND PURCHASE YOUR GOODS LIKE MILK CIGS. COKES AND OTHER PRODUCTS THAT WAY THE STORE GETS NO MORE PROFFIT,WE ALL NEED TO TAKE A STAND SOMEWHERE AND LET THEM KNOW THAT THEY WERE AND ARE WRONG FOR PRICE GOUGING !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
gsa price
when gas prices went threw the sky .why did the price for large trucks not move .three years ago it was cheaper then gas. why is more then gas know?
Gas Prices
The BIG thing that bothers me most is the price increases come before any knowledge of damage from the hurricans even hit.....Its all price gouging. How can Our Gas in Knoxville, Lenoir City and Loudon TN are the Nations highest now, Why? We can't afford any more of it... My husband and I on Thursday last week before Ike hit ground in Texas went to Mr. Gas in Loudon before 8am as he was pumping gas at $3.69 unleaded a gallon, the woman came out to change the price to $3.79...he asked did you just get gas in, she did not answer him. 2 hours latter we drove home and notice the price went up to $3.99 a gal. Sunday Morning the price was $4.49 a gal. The national news kept saying on Sunday the 14th gas has risen 6 cents in one day and were unhappy. I yelled at the TV and said thats nothing its risen 80 cents a gallon in 2
days here. We have to group together and stop this robbery.....while our Govenor and Mayors sit back and watch and do nothing for us.
People rise up protest by calling your government agencies and senators and Washington D.C. to make you comments known. Please don;t think about doing it, do it.
Gas
The wholesale price of gas at the time of the hurricane was 2.72 which means gas should of been selling for 3.32. This is 40 cents taxes 10 cents
transportion cost and 10 cents profit. The stations are suppose to follow the wholesale price. Price gouging you bet with pilot being the worst offender. I will never trade at another pilot station the rest of my life.
gas Prices
I found it interesting that Pilot seems to control most of the gas and prices in this area. It is more interesting when Owner Haslem makes a statement to the effect that his costs had risen to the point he had to increase the price at the pump. This increase started even before Ike hit. Kind of like the "fox guarding the chicken house". I realise he is a big political figure in the area, but so were all the CEO's and Management that let the financial instutions fall. Looks like GREED tumbles all the way down to Ktown.
Gas Gouging
I find it interesting that it was just reported that Pilot on Northshore is now showing $3.99/regular after days of $4.99.The governor must be coming by that station on his way to his visit in Knoxville tomorrow.
I had complained about Pilot's continuing high prices for sometime way before last Friday's outrageous price gouging.On Friday a Pilot spokesman stated Pilot didn't discuss their pricing but that policy sure has changed since national TV shows have continued to show their $4.99 signs & have continued to report that Pilot is being investigated in Fla,NC & MS. Wonder why our governor has not joined the other state's leaders to voice their constituents outrage?
One can be sure another Pilot million dollar UT donation will be forthcoming- on the backs of the working class,retirees,students & unemployed.
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